HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
7000 Ruse, Bulgaria Tel.: +359 896544583
40A Nikolaevska Str. www.hrda.bg
office@hrda.bg
The Human Resources Development Agency (HRDA) is a non-profit association, established in 2004 in the city of Ruse, Bulgaria and working towards development and recognition of civil society, science and technologies in North Central Planning Region of Bulgaria encompassing the districts of Ruse, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Silistra and Razgrad. HRDA elaborates strategies and innovative approaches to respond to the dynamics of the labour market and develop the capacity of human resources. It participates in partnership initiatives for development of adult business training programs, conducts research and implements strategies for active measures on labour market and re-integration of minority groups in rural areas.
The Agency’s members participate in regional working groups and committees for elaboration of regional development plans and strategies for 2007-2013 and 2014-2020 programming periods. Representatives of HRDA have been actively engaged in the development of Bulgaria’s Operational Programmes for the 2014-2020 programming period. The agency is a member with voting powers in the Monitoring committees of three Operational Programmes for the 2014-2020 programming period.
Since its establishment HRDA participates in numerous projects and initiatives in the social field, the filed of education and training, tourism, innovations, etc. and funds a large number of its activities with the Agency’s own resources. The organization relies on a team of experts with different backgrounds and diverse expertise.
HRDA actively partners at regional level with the largest information and consultancy business support network in Europe – the Enterprise Europe Network. HRDA is also the first Bulgarian organization to become a member of the European Social Action Network in 2010.
AWARDED PROJECTS
HRDA has elaborated and/or managed the following projects:
In 2021 started the project VRAR project „Learn and Work Easy in Virtual and Augmented reality“ is implemented by HRDA in partnership with organizations and companies from Slovenia, Spain, Cyprus and Latvia. The project envisages the preparation of a methodology with guidelines for job seekers or those wishing to become entrepreneurs in the field of virtual and augmented reality, a manual and video clips with instructions for working with the technique used by the experts in the field. The project is financed under the Erasmus + program.
To follow the progress of the project as well as its results, follow Project Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/VRARproject and website https://vrarproject.eu/bg/
In 2018 started the project Competence Opportunities for Digital Employment – Competencies for Digital Employment. The project is implemented under the Youth Employment Program of the European Economic Community and the Norwegian Grant Fund with seven other partners from Bulgaria, Latvia, Romania, Italy, Estonia and Greece. – The project costs EUR 2 314 015 of which EUR 392 761.30 for ARRD, with a three-year implementation period until 01.09.2021.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
7000 Ruse, Bulgaria Tel.: +359 896544583
40A Nikolaevska Str. www.hrda.bg
office@hrda.bg
In 2017 started the implementation of the project BALKANMED E-BP BALKANMED E BP Project BMP1 / 1.1 / 2608/2017, funded under the “INTERREG Balkan-Mediterranean 2014-2020”. Project amount € 770,000 of which 217 610.00 for HRDA. The project duration is until 01.07.2019.
In 2017 started the implementation of the project DANube Urban Brand – a regional network building through tourism and education to strengthen the “Danube” cultural identity and solidarity DTP1-1-249-2.2, funded under the Interreg Danube Transnational Programme. Project amount 2,703,844.00 € and project duration until 06/2019. The DANUrB cultural network aims to strengthen the Danube regional cultural identity and to create a common brand by fostering transnational cultural ties between the settlements along the Danube, and by exploring the unused or hidden cultural and social capital resources for a better economic and cultural return.
In 2013 HRDA developed and managed the “E-business Pages – Creation of a Cross Border E-Business Portal” project under the CBC Programme Romania-Bulgaria 2007- 2013. The project goal was to develop a database containing information for small and medium enterprises from the Romania-Bulgaria cross-border region. A website in 4 languages was created containing detailed information for companies, non-governmental organizations and public bodies and enabling advanced search on the basis of pre-set criteria.The project website http://www.smebp.net/ has currently over 800 registered profiles from Bulgarian and Romanian legal entities.
In 2012 HRDA took part in the elaboration of the “Common Strategy for Sustainable Territorial Development of the Cross-border Area Romania-Bulgaria” project under the CBC Programme Romania-Bulgaria 2007-2013 with a project coordinator the Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism of Romania. The project goal was to support the development of the new CBC programme Romania-Bulgaria 2014-2020. HRDA elaborated the project in its ‘Education and Sociodemography” part. The agency’s main responsibilities included development of a detailed analysis of educational policies and structures in the cross-border region and elaboration of recommendations for development of impact measures in the sociodemographic sphere.
In 2009 experts from HRDA took part in the development of „TourNet” project under the CBC Programme Romania-Bulgaria 2007-2013 for creation of tools for supporting cross border business tourism development. The current state of cross-border tourism industry was analyzed within the project, opportunities for development of tourism-related services were studied and relevant European experience and practices for development of travel and tourism sector were investigated and evaluated. The project was elaborated by Business Support Centre for Small and Medium Enterprises, Ruse, Bulgaria (BSCSME-Ruse) and was finalized in 2012.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
7000 Ruse, Bulgaria Tel.: +359 896544583
40A Nikolaevska Str. www.hrda.bg
office@hrda.bg
In 2007 experts from HRDA took part in the development of “Capacity Building for Actions on Environment Development and “Green” Effectiveness (CBAEDGE)” project with “Environment” Association. The project involved study of good environmental practices and pollution reduction, deployment of environmental standards and their implementation in Bulgaria. The project was approved by the Environment Directorate
General of the European Commission.
In 2006 contract № BG 2004006-070.05.01.2 was concluded between HRDA and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of Bulgaria for “Creation of Agricultural Support Centre in Slivo Pole Municipality” under BG2004006-070.05.01 “Integration of Ethnic Minorities in the Labour Market” programme. For the project elaboration the agency’s experts utilized European practices for integration of minority groups by means of training and subsequent employment secured through a specialized agricultural cluster.
In 2006 HRDA jointly with BSCSME-Ruse developed ‘Junior’ project for establishment of a pilot model to support business ideas of young entrepreneurs within Incubator Junior of ‘Angel Kanchev’ University of Ruse. During the project implementation HRDA created a small revolving fund in benefit of creative young people, assisted them in the elaboration of their business plans, provided financing for their ideas and business management support. The experience gained within the project served as a basis for development of a self
employment strategy for young people.
In 2006 HRDA developed and was awarded a project for issuance of a weekly newspaper titled “The Voice of Ruse” and devoted to the forthcoming, at that time, EU accession of Bulgaria. The newspaper published articles related to European legislation, opportunities that would arise following Bulgaria’s accession to the EU, development of civil society, etc.
In 2005 HRDA initiated creation of a public-private partnership between marginalized groups and Municipality of Ivanovo to facilitate the inclusion of these groups and find solution to their problems. A project was elaborated and approved by a Social Investment Fund whose representatives conducted on-the-spot check to acquaint themselves with project beneficiaries’ needs.
PROJECT PARTNERSHIPS
In 2021 the Project MOTIVE – Methodology for Online Training in Innovative Virtual Environment aims to create innovative conditions for improving the quality of teaching in an online environment.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
7000 Ruse, Bulgaria Tel.: +359 896544583
40A Nikolaevska Str. www.hrda.bg
office@hrda.bg
The project is implemented together with 4 organizations from Iceland, Spain, Greece and Cyprus and it is directed towards teachers in secondary and higher education, vocational training centres for vocational education and training, education management experts.
The main goal of the project is to create and put into practice a common methodology for organizing and managing online learning that covers the fundamental aspects of teaching in a digital environment, namely: setting and achieving correct educational goals, proper selection of methods for pedagogical communication, including online classroom management, conducting a learning process (theoretical and practical part), oriented towards measurable results, as well as planning and providing the necessary resources for the specific training. The indicated characteristics of the online training, which will be covered in the methodology, are the minimum necessary ones that the teachers should use when conducting the online training.
In 2017 the „Danube Ecotourism“ ROBG-164 under the programme „INTERREG V-A Romania-Bulgaria“ Transnational Cooperation Program 2014-2020. Project amount – 735 766.45 Euro, of which 207 155,03 Euros for HRDA. Project duration is until 01.08.2019.
In 2016 HRDA started the implementation of the DANube Urban Brand Project – a Regional Network Building through Tourism and Education to Strengthen the „Danube“ Cultural Identity and Solidarity under the Danube 2014-2020 Transnational Cooperation Program. Project amount – 2 560 939,00 euro, of which EUR 86,000.0 for HRDA. Project duration is until 01.08.2019.
In 2012 HRDA partnered BSCSME-Ruse within “Online Ecotourism Guide” project funded by the Danube Competence Centre and GTZ. The project goals were to support preservation of biodiversity in the Danube regions of Bulgaria and Romania, to increase tourism competitiveness and attractiveness in the Danube regions and to improve local capacities for sustainable tourism management. HRDA’s responsibilities involved conduction of training for local tourism stakeholders http://bsc.smebg.net/ecotourguide/
In 2009 HRDA was a partner in “European Manager for Export and Import (EmfEI)” project under the Lifelong Learning – Leonardo da Vinci Programme. The agency’s responsibilities within the project included conduction of qualification training, utilization of common training methodology for export marketing and organization of certification process in Bulgaria. The project coordinator was LEB Bildungsstаtte, Germany and project partners were organizations from Spain, France, Romania and Bulgaria. HRDA was the only project partner which successfully transformed the training plan received from the German partner into an e-learning platform, thus impressing foreign partners and representatives of ‘Angel Kanchev’ University of Ruse.
In 2009 HRDA partnered within “VISIBLE Validation Issues a Basis for Learning Evaluation” project under the Lifelong Learning – Leonardo da Vinci Programme. The project was implemented by the national Association of Regional Development Agencies and Business Centres (BARDA) and HRDA was responsible for the project training in the city of Ruse.
In 2007 HRDA participated in the implementation of project for establishment of an Adult Training Centre to the ‘Penio Penev’ Professional High School on Construction,
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
7000 Ruse, Bulgaria Tel.: +359 896544583
40A Nikolaevska Str. www.hrda.bg
office@hrda.bg
Architecture and Geodesy in Ruse. The project was funded under PHARE Programme to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of Bulgaria. HRDA’s responsibilities within the project involved development of two new adult-training programmes – “Real Estate Brokers” and “Building Renovation”.
In 2006 HRDA partnered BSCSME-Ruse within the business component of the World Bank “Wetlands Restoration and Pollution Reduction” project. The project was funded by the Austrian government and its goal was to support agricultural producers. The project involved consulting and funding of agricultural producers including representatives of minority groups, as well as training of beneficiaries in organic agriculture. HRDA’s main responsibilities within the project included consulting, assistance in preparing business plans for funding applications and further consultations for business development. The project’s main beneficiaries were minority groups from Slivo Pole municipality. Over 250 agricultural producers have been consulted to date and 45 representatives of minorities were granted financing.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
7000 Ruse, Bulgaria Tel.: +359 896544583
40A Nikolaevska Str. www.hrda.bg
office@hrda.bg
OTHER INITIATIVES
HRDA has also participated in the following initiatives and projects:
Initiatives within the EU Strategy for the Danube Region – The chair of HRDA’s Managing Board has voting powers in the Management Committee for Priority Area 9 of the Danube Region Strategy
Development of Regional and Municipal Management Plans
‘Give us a Chance’ project under PHARE Social Inclusion Programme jointly implemented with ‘Bravery’ NGO, Ruse Regional Psychiatric Clinic and BSCSME-Ruse. Immediately after its establishment in 2004 HRDA got involved as an associated partner in this project targeting disadvantaged groups – people with disabilities, minority groups and long-term unemployed. The chair of HRDA’s Managing Board was the project manager. The agency’s main responsibilities included elaboration of methods of operation and identification of people with disabilities and representatives of minorities capable of contributing to achievement of project goals, organization of exhibitions of artists with disabilities, as well asactivities for multiplying the project outcomes in other populated areas outside the city of Ruse.
In 2005 HRDA participated in the preparation, initiation and subsequent consultations within a project for production of handmade souvenirs by people with disabilities and retired persons in the city of Svishtov. The project was approved by BSCSME-Ruse and the project activities were initiated. Considering the nature of the project HRDA developed it without remuneration.
Project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) comprising of 3 components. HRDA was an associated partner in the first project component and its responsibilities included research of clothing companies in Ruse and their demand of skilled workforce and questionnaire surveying of 60 companies in the sector. The second project component in which HRDA did not participate involved analysis of collected data and preparation of report to serve the companies’ needs. The third component completed in 2006 by HRDA and BSCSME-Ruse included training of personnel by international experts.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
7000 Ruse, Bulgaria Tel.: +359 896544583
40A Nikolaevska Str. www.hrda.bg
office@hrda.bg
MEMBERSHIPS
HRDA is a member of the following thematic working groups for development of the Operational Programmes for the 2014-2020 programming period:
– To the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Bulgaria for the development of 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme
– To the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism of Bulgaria for the development of Operational Programme “Innovations and Competitiveness” 2014-2020
– To the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of Bulgaria for the development of Operational Programme “Human Resources Development” 2014-2020
– To the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria for the development of Operational Programme “Regions in Growth” 2014-2020
HRDA is a member with voting powers in the following Monitoring committees:
– To the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Bulgaria – of 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme
– To the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism of Bulgaria – of Operational Programme “Innovations and Competitiveness” 2014-2020
– To the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of Bulgaria – of Operational Programme “Human Resources Development” 2014-2020
HRDA has advisory status within the Monitoring Committee of Operational Programme “Science and Education for Smart Growth” 2014-2020 to the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria.